Mae Jemison students gain hands-on skills at Huntsville Utilities

There's a nationwide shortage of skilled trade workers across the country, and Huntsville Utilities is working to ease that shortage.

Through their “Pipeline to Success” program, students have spent months learning about the daily responsibilities of employees at Huntsville Utilities, preparing them for a strong start in their future careers.

Each day, students are out in the field, working with various tools and machines, and assisting real crews in handling real situations. They’re seeing firsthand what it takes to keep water and gas systems running. Mae Jemison seniors Lopez Rice and Mekhi Simpson say they joined the program to set themselves up for success, inspired by mentors who encouraged them to take this path.

Lopez Rice says he encouraged other students to take the leap in joi